Brendan Howlin
Question:28 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will make a statement in relation to his plans for Comhairle, including its funding and distribution around the State. [6414/99]
Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.
The Government has decided to establish a new agency, to be known as Comhairle, which will be responsible for the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services throughout the country. This new agency, which will operate under the aegis of my Department, will combine the current functions of the National Social Service Board, NSSB, with relevant functions of the National Rehabilitation Board, NRB. The necessary legislation is currently being prepared and I hope to publish this at an early date.
This move towards a new integrated agency follows a Government decision to replace the NRB with a new National Disability Authority and to transfer certain functions to a number of existing agencies or Government Departments.
The improvement of information and support services for people with disabilities was among the key recommendations contained in the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. The establishment of the new agency, Comhairle will ensure that services for people with disabilities will become an integral part of an enhanced mainstream information, advice and advocacy service for all citizens, and utilising and building on the resources and expertise of both existing organisations.
The board of Comhairle was appointed in November of last year. In the meantime, pending the enactment of the necessary legislation, the board will act as the board for the National Social Service Board.
This new agency will incorporate the resources of the NSSB and the relevant areas of the NRB and will support the provision of information throughout the country using the existing network of 85 citizens information centres and, as appropriate, facilities currently operated under the aegis of the NRB.
The establishment of this new agency will not result in any diminution of services and indeed it is envisaged that the substantial progress in enhancing information services which has been evident in recent years will continue under the auspices of Comhairle. Details of the proposed relocation of the NRB staff to the receiving agencies, including Comhairle, the National Disability Authority and FÁS, to which existing NRB staff will transfer, are being finalised at present. Existing accommodation resources of the NRB will be allocated as appropriate to the transfer of responsibilities.